Electrically conductive device to be applied to a portion of a glove for use with touch screen device

ABSTRACT

A device is removeably attachable to a fingertip portion of a glove worn on a hand of a user for use with a touch screen device. The device includes a conductive film layer and an adhesive layer secured to the conductive film layer. The adhesive layer is removeably attachable to the glove, and the conductive film layer is capable of contacting the touch screen device.

REFERNECE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNumber 61/349,825 filed May 29, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an electrically conductivedevice to be attached to at least one fingertip portion of a glove withan adhesive that can be used with a touch screen device.

Personal digital assistants include a touch screen that is usuallyactivated by the touch of a finger tip. Many personal digital assistantsuse a capacitive touch screen that requires the actual contact of afingertip, which due to the conductivity of the skin, perturbs the fieldof the touch screen. When a user is wearing gloves, the material of theglove acts as an electrical insulator, and the capacitive touch screencannot detect the conductivity of the skin of the fingertip through thegloves. Therefore, the touch screen device does not work.

In one prior device, a piece of material that is electrically conductivematerial is attached to the tip of a glove with bendable prongs that areinserted and punctured through the material of the glove. In anotherdevice, an electrically conductive material is woven or embedded intothe fabric of tips of the fingertips of the glove. However, this deviceis not removable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device is removeably attachable to a fingertip portion of a glove wornon a hand of a user for use with a touch screen device. The deviceincludes a conductive film layer and an adhesive layer secured to theconductive film layer. The adhesive layer is removeably attachable tothe glove, and the conductive film layer is capable of contacting thetouch screen device.

A device is removeably attachable to a fingertip portion of a glove wornon a hand of a user for use with a touch screen device. The deviceincludes a conductive film layer of polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride,and a portion of an upper surface of the conductive film layer includesa raised portion. The device also includes an adhesive layer secured toa lower surface of the conductive film layer. The adhesive layer isremoveably attachable to the glove, and the conductive film layer iscapable of contacting the touch screen device.

A method creates a device that is removably attachable to a fingertipportion of a glove worn on a hand of a user for use with a touch screendevice. The method includes the steps of extruding a conductive film androlling the film. The method also includes the steps of securing anadhesive to a lower surface of the conductive film and die cutting thefilm to create the device, and a release paper is attached on anopposing surface of the adhesive layer.

These and other features of the present invention will be bestunderstood from the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings thataccompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a touch screen device and a gloveincluding a conductive tip that is removeably attached to a fingertipportion of the glove;

FIG. 2 a schematically illustrates a top view of the conductive tip;

FIG. 2 b schematically illustrates a side view of the conductive tip ofFIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 a schematically illustrates a top view of an alternate conductivetip including a raised surface;

FIG. 3 b schematically illustrates a side view of the conductive tip ofFIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a chart showing the method of formingthe conductive tip;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an apparatus that extrudes an extrudedconductive film sheet;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an apparatus that rolls and addstexture to the extruded conductive film sheet;

FIG. 7A schematically illustrates an apparatus that applies an adhesivewith a release paper to the extruded conductive film sheet;

FIG. 7B schematically illustrates a layer of adhesive material prior toapplication to the extruded conductive film sheet;

FIG. 7C schematically illustrates an adhesive layer applied to theextruded conductive film sheet;

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an apparatus that die cuts the extrudedconductive film sheet on the release paper to form conductive tips;

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an apparatus that applies colored dyeto the conductive tips on the release paper;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an apparatus that dries the conductivetips on the release paper; and

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the conductive tips on the releasepaper for retail sale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a touch screen device 20 including a capacitive touchscreen 22. The capacitive touch screen 22 is touched by a user whenusing the touch screen device 20. The touch screen device 20 can be apersonal digital assistant, a touch screen computer, a tablet,machinery, equipment or any other device that includes a capacitivetouch screen 22.

FIG. 1 also illustrates a glove 24 worn on a hand of the user. The glove24 includes a thumb portion 26 a, a pointer finger portion 26 b, amiddle finger portion 26 c, a ring finger portion 26 d, and a pinkieportion 26 e. In the example of FIG. 1, a conductive tip 28 is adheredto the finger tip portion of the pointer finger portion 26 b of theglove 24 with an adhesive layer 32. However, the conductive tip 28 canbe adhered to the fingertip portion of any of the other portions 26 a,26 c, 26 d and 26 e or more than one of the portions 26 a, 26 b, 26 c,26 d and 26 e. The conductive tip 28 allows the user to use the touchscreen device 20 without removing the glove 24 and simulate thereactivity and contact of a human finger. The conductive tip 28 isremovably attachable to the desired fingertip portion of the glove 24 bypeeling the conductive tip 28 from the glove 24.

FIG. 2 a illustrates a top view of the conductive tip 28, and FIG. 2 billustrates a side view of the conductive tip 28. In one example, theconductive tip 28 is substantially oval in shape. However, theconductive tip 28 can have any shape.

The conductive tip 28 includes a conductive film portion 30 and theadhesive layer 32. The conductive film portion 30 has an upper surface34 that is exposed and is used to touch the capacitive touch screen 22and a lower surface 36 to which the adhesive layer 32 is applied. Theadhesive layer 32 can cover the entire lower surface 36 of theconductive film portion 30 or only a portion of the lower surface 36 ofthe conductive film portion 30.

A lower surface 85 of the adhesive layer 32 is applied on release paper82. To use the conductive tip 28, the conductive tip 28 is removed fromthe release paper 82 to expose the adhesive layer 32. The adhesive layer32 is applied to the fingertip portion of the desired finger portion 26of the glove 26. The conductive tip 28 can then be used with the touchscreen device 20.

The conducive tip 28 can have any dimensions that fit on the fingertipportion of the glove 24. For example, the conductive tips 28 can be soldin different sizes for different applications and types of gloves.

The conductive film portion 30 can be made of a film material that isflexible, easy to die cut, approved for medical applications, and have agreat tensile strength. For example, the conductive film portion 30 canbe a polymer or a thermoplastic polymer. For example, the conductivefilm portion 30 is polypolyurethane film (PUR) or polyvinyl chloride(PVC). In one example, the conducive film portion 30 is black. In oneexample, the conductive film portion 30 can have a thickness T ofapproximately 1.0, 1.25, 2.0 or 2.5 mils.

The adhesive layer 32 is a pressure sensitive hypoallergenic adhesivethat is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Theadhesive layer 32 has a thickness t. In one example, the adhesive layer32 has a thickness of approximately 2.0 mils. In one example, theadhesive layer 32 is MED 5512, manufactured by Avery Dennison of ChicagoIll. The adhesive layer 32 can also be P1500, manufactured by 3M of St.Paul, Minn.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a top view of an alternate conductive tip 28 thatincludes a raised surface 38 that is raised relative to the uppersurface 34 of the conductive tip 30, and FIG. 3 b illustrates a sideview of the alternate conductive tip. The raised surface 38 can define adesign, such as an image or graphic. In one example, the raised surface38 is defined by a plurality of concentric ovals. The raised surface 38can have a thickness H of approximately 0.25 mils to 1.50 mils.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of making the conductive tip 28. The methodincludes the step of extruding 40 an extruded conductive film sheet 76,the steps of rolling and adding texture (optional) 42 to the extrudedconductive film sheet 76, the step of applying 44 the adhesive layer 32with a release paper 82, the step 46 of die cutting the extrudedconductive film sheet 76, the step of printing, such as adding color 48(optional), the step of drying 50, and the step of packaging 52. Each ofthese steps will be discussed in more detail below.

FIG. 5 illustrates the step 40 of extruding the extruded conductive filmsheet 76. A base material 54 of the conductive film portion 30 iscontained in a bulk tank silo 56. The base material 54 is directed alonga line 58, and additional raw materials, additives and/or colorants 60contained in a silo 62 can be added to the base material 54. A colorantcan be added to provide color to the material. In one example, a heatsensitive material can be added. In this example, a micro-encapsulatedpolyester resin based plastic is added that changes color when exposedto a specific temperature. The combined material is then delivered to anextruder 64, such as a barrel extruder, that extrudes the extrudedconductive film sheet 76, slightly heated, from an extrusion head 66. Inone example, the extruder 64 is a single screw extruder or a twin screwextruder.

FIG. 6 illustrates the step 42 of rolling and adding texture (optional)to the extruded conductive film sheet 76. The extruded conductive filmsheet 76 is directed between two rollers 68 and 70 that roll theextruded conductive film sheet 76 to the desired thickness T. If adesign created by a raised surface 38 is to be added to the extrudedconductive film sheet 76, the rollers 68 and 70 can includes a patternedimage that will create the raised surface 38 having the desiredthickness H. The rollers 68 and 70 can be changed depending on thedesired pattern and the desired thickness H of the raised surface 38.

In one example, the rollers 68 and 70 are heated to create the embossedraised surface 38. In one example, the rollers 68 and 70 are not heated,and the residual heat from the extruded conductive film sheet 76 allowthe extruded conductive film sheet 76 to be soft enough such that therollers 68 and 70 can create the embossed raised surface 38 withoutheating the rollers 68 and 70. This ability depends on the distance Xbetween the extrusion head 66 and the rollers 68 and 70. After passingthrough the rollers 68 and 70, the extruded conductive film sheet 76passes over and/or between a series of rollers 72 and is rolled around arewind station 74.

FIG. 7A illustrates the step 44 of applying the adhesive layer 32 to theextruded conductive film sheet 76. The extruded conductive film sheet 76(which can be embossed to include the raised surface 38) is wrappedaround an unwind station 78 (which can be the rewind station 74). Alayer of adhesive material 83 is wrapped around another unwind station80. As shown in FIG. 7B, the layer of adhesive material 83 includes theadhesive layer 32 which is between the release paper 82 and a protectivefilm 86. The lower surface 85 of the adhesive layer 32 contacts therelease paper 82. In one example, the release paper 82 is Tyvek®manufactured by E. I. DuPont De Nemours and Company of Wilmington,Delaware. In one example, the release paper 82 is Kimdura® manufacturedby Neenah Paper, Inc. of Alpharetta, Ga. Grade 5614 PO Duraflex and 0321BO Munsing LO clear room paper can be used as the release paper 82.

Returning to FIG. 7A, as the adhesive material 83 is unwound from theunwind station 80, the protective film 86 is removed and wrapped aroundthe rewind station 88. This exposes the upper surface 87 of the adhesivelayer 32. As a result, the adhesive layer 32 with the release paper 82is pulled towards a series of rollers 90 (shown magnified in FIG. 7A).The upper surface 87 of the adhesive layer 32 contacts the extrudedconductive film sheet 76, and pressure is applied to adhere the adhesivelayer 32 to the extruded conductive film sheet 76 while travelingbetween the rollers 90. If the extruded conductive film sheet 76includes any images or raised surfaces 38, the raised surfaces 38 arelocated on the upper surface 34 of the extruded conductive film sheet 76that is opposite to the lower surface 36 of the extruded conductive filmsheet 76 that is adhered to the adhesive layer 32.

After leaving the rollers 90, as shown in FIG. 7C, a sheet 92 is createdincluding the adhesive layer 32 adhered to the lower surface 36 of theextruded conductive film sheet 76 and the release paper 82 attached tothe lower surface 85 of the adhesive layer 32. The sheet 92 is thenwound on a rewind station 94.

FIG. 8 illustrates the step 45 of die cutting the sheet 92. The sheet 92is wound on a unwind station 96 (which can be the rewind station 94).The sheet 92 is rolled between an anvil roller 100 and a roller 98 witha die plate for die cutting the desired shape of the capacitive tip 28(such as oval) to create a die cut film 104. Electrical and mechanicalcontrols are used to manipulate tension and can aid in guiding andstretching the film and help with flatness and smoothness.

Alternately, die cut raised sponge-sticky based foam material could bemounted on the adhesive layer 32 and covered by urethane film. Inanother example, the sticky backed sponge foam material is replaced witha rigid circuit center tipped plastic disk that could be mounted on apressure sensitive adhesive (PSA coated surface and covered by theurethane film.

The scrap material around the capacitive tip 28 is discarded, such as ona paper core on a shaft of the printing press. The die cut film 104 thenis directed by rollers 102 to a rewind station 106.

FIG. 9 illustrates the step 48 of printing or adding color to the diecut film 104 to display a functional image of the conductive surface oneutilizes to activate the touch screen 22 of the touch screen device 20.This step is optional depending on whether it is desired to add color tothe die cut film 104. The die cut film 104 travels over a roller 108. Anink well 112 including a colored dye is deposited on an adjacent roller110, which is in contact with the roller 108 to deposit the colored dyeon the roller 108. It is possible that more than one ink well 112 can beemployed to deposit more than one colored dye. As the die cut film 104travels over the roller 108 (with the upper surface 34 of the die cutfilm 104 facing the roller 108), the colored dye on the roller 108 istransferred onto the die cut film 114 or on the raised surface 38 if thedie cut film 114 includes a raised surface 38. The die cut film 114 isthen wound around an unwind station 114. Alternately, the ink can beapplied under the extruded conductive film sheet 76 prior to addition ofthe adhesive layer 32.

A plastisol based “thermo-chromic” ink can be used, which can changecolor. For example, the ink can be thermochromic, which changes colorwhen exposed to heat, piezochromic, which changes colors when pressureis applied, or photochromic, which changes color when exposed to UVlight. Besides rolling, the ink can be applied by a silk-screeningprocess.

FIG. 10 illustrates the step 50 of drying the die cut film 104. The diecut film 104 (which may or may not be colored) travels over rollers 118and under a drying device 116. In one example, the drying device 116 canbe an ultraviolet light, an electron beam dryer, a heat lamp, a gasdryer, or any type of dryer. The type of drying device 116 can depend onthe type of ink used. After being dried, the die cut film 114 is rolledaround a rewind station 120.

The die cut film 114 can then be cut into portions sized for retail salein step 52. As shown in FIG. 11, the release paper 82 including theconductive tips 28 is cut to retail sized sheets 112 that includes aplurality of conductive tips 28 on the surface of the release paper 82.These retail sized sheets 112 are then packaged for sale to consumers.

The foregoing description is only exemplary of the principles of theinvention. Many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodimentsof this invention have been disclosed, however, so that one of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would comewithin the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may bepracticed otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason thefollowing claims should be studied to determine the true scope andcontent of this invention.

1. A device removably attachable to a glove worn on a hand of a user foruse with a touch screen device, the device comprising: a conductive filmlayer; and an adhesive layer secured to the conductive film layer,wherein the adhesive layer is removably attachable to a fingertipportion of a glove, and the conductive film layer is capable ofcontacting a touch screen device.
 2. The device as recited in claim 1,wherein the device is substantially oval.
 3. The device as recited inclaim 1, wherein conductive film layer is one of a polymer or athermoplastic.
 4. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein conductivefilm layer is one of polypolyurethane or polyvinyl chloride.
 5. Thedevice as recited in claim 1, wherein the conductive film layer includesa heat sensitive feature.
 6. The device as recited in claim 1, whereinthe conductive film layer has a thickness of between 1.0 and 2.5 mils.7. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer has athickness of 2.0 mils.
 8. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein aportion of an upper surface of the conductive film layer includes araised surface.
 9. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein the raisedsurface defines a design.
 10. The device as recited in claim 9, whereinthe raised surface has a thickness between 0.25 to 1.50 mils.
 11. Thedevice as recited in claim 1 wherein the conductive film layer includesa dye.
 12. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein, prior toapplication of the device to the glove, an upper surface of the adhesivelayer is secured to the conductive film layer, and a lower surface ofthe adhesive layer is adhered to release paper.
 13. A device removablyattachable to a glove worn on a hand of a user for use with a touchscreen device, the device comprising: a conductive film layer ofpolyurethane or polyvinyl chloride, wherein a portion of an uppersurface of the conductive film layer includes a raised surface; and anadhesive layer secured to a lower surface of conductive film layer,wherein the adhesive layer is removably attachable to a fingertipportion of a glove, and the conductive film layer is capable ofcontacting a touch screen device.
 14. The device as recited in claim 13,wherein the device is substantially oval.
 15. The device as recited inclaim 13, wherein the conductive film layer includes a heat sensitivefeature.
 16. The device as recited in claim 13, wherein the conductivefilm layer has a thickness of between 1.0 and 2.5 mils, the adhesivelayer has a thickness of 2.0 mils, and the raised surface has athickness between 0.25 to 1.50 mils.
 17. The device as recited in claim13 wherein the conductive film layer includes a dye.
 18. The device asrecited in claim 13, wherein, prior to application of the device to theglove, an upper surface of the adhesive layer is secured to theconductive film layer, and a lower surface of the adhesive layer isadhered to release paper.
 19. A method of creating a device that isremovably attachable to a fingertip portion of a glove worn on a hand ofa user for use with a touch screen device, the method comprising thesteps of: extruding a conductive film; rolling the conductive film;securing an upper surface of an adhesive layer to a lower surface of theconductive film, wherein a release paper is attached on a lower surfaceof the adhesive layer; and die cutting the conductive film to create thedevice.
 20. The method as recited in claim 19 further including the stepof adding a raised image to an upper surface of the conductive film. 21.The method as recited in claim 19 further including the steps of addingcolor to the film after the step of die cutting the film, and drying thefilm after the step of adding color to the film.
 22. The method asrecited in claim 19 further including the steps of removing the devicefrom the release paper and removably attaching the device to a fingertipportion of a glove of a user for use with a touch screen device